Baybay City String Orchestra

20/09/2026

Yesterday's gig with the string quartet group in St. Peter and Paul Parish Ormoc.

19/08/2026

A TRIBUTE TO EXCELLENCE & DEDICATION!

​The entire community of the Baybay City String Orchestra extends its warmest and proudest CONGRATULATIONS to our beloved Maestro, Prof. Joselle Cayetano, for being honored with the Outstanding Leadership in Education Award at the prestigious 2026 United Federation of Fil-Am Educators Inc. (UNIFFIED) International Educators Summit!

​Held last August 16, 2026, at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, this recognition is a well-deserved testament to the Maestro's unwavering commitment to transforming lives through education and the arts.

​Beyond the classroom, we see his leadership in full harmony through his passion for the Baybay City String Orchestra. As our mentor and conductor, he has opened doors of opportunity for both young children and adults alike, proving that music is a universal language with no age limits. Through his patient guidance, discipline, and infectious passion, he doesn't just teach notes and rhythms—he builds character, nurtures confidence, and fosters a vibrant cultural community right here in Baybay.

​Thank you, Maestro, for leading by example and showing us that true leadership lies in empowering others to play their own beautiful melodies.
​We are so profoundly proud of you!

05/08/2026

Welcome to the Podium,

Mr. Elgin Cebreros!

The Baybay City String Orchestra is thrilled to officially introduce our new Concertmaster,
Elgin Cebreros!

Stepping into the first chair is both an honor and a responsibility, and we could not be more excited to begin this new chapter under Elgin’s musical leadership. Bringing a shared passion for string literature, artistic dedication, and a clear vision for musical growth, Elgin is well-prepared to guide our ensemble toward new heights.

Hopes & Vision for the Future

As Elgin takes on the role of Concertmaster, we look forward to:
*Informing & Elevating Our Sound:
Continuing to refine our ensemble's artistic precision, tone quality, and musical expression across diverse repertoires.
*Inspiring the Next Generation:
Serving as a mentor and guide for our section leaders and developing string players as we foster a collaborative, supportive environment.
*Broadening Our Reach:
Bringing vibrant live string performances to new stages, community events, and cultural showcases across Baybay City and beyond.
*Building Deep Community Connections: Strengthening our shared love for music and building lasting relationships both on and off the stage.

"Every new beginning in music brings a fresh voice, new energy, and endless possibilities."

Please join us in giving Elgin a warm and heartfelt welcome to the Baybay City String Orchestra leadership! We can’t wait to see and hear where this journey takes us together.
Here’s to a vibrant, inspired, and harmonious season ahead!

With excitement and anticipation,
The Baybay City String Orchestra Family

04/08/2026

To Our Outgoing Concertmaster;

Krystelle Mhay Therese Simila,

On behalf of the Baybay City String Orchestra, we express our deepest gratitude and warmest appreciation for your exceptional service, leadership, and dedication as our Concertmaster since taking on the role in 2024 and 2025.

Leading an ensemble requires far more than technical mastery; it demands vision, patience, artistic discipline, and the ability to inspire everyone around you. Throughout your tenure, you have personified these qualities, serving not only as our first chair and standard-bearer of musical excellence, but as the steady heartbeat of our orchestra.

Highlights & Achievements Under Her Tenure (2024–2026)

*Artistic Growth & Musical Precision: Under your musical leadership, the orchestra achieved new levels of cohesion, tone quality, and dynamic expression, elevating every performance from rehearsals to major showcases.

*Mentorship & Section Leadership: You consistently empowered our string players, fostering a supportive environment where young musicians felt encouraged to grow in confidence, technique, and artistry.

*Cultural & Community Engagement: From local performances to civic and regional cultural celebrations, your steady lead were instrumental in bringing classical and ensemble string music closer to the heart of the Baybay City community.

*Building Ensemble Spirit: Beyond the notes and bows, you helped cultivate a culture of passion, commitment, and mutual respect that will continue to define the orchestra long after your tenure.

"A concertmaster tunes not just the instruments, but the spirit of the entire orchestra."

Krystelle, your passion for music and your unwavering commitment to the ensemble have left an indelible mark on the Baybay City String Orchestra. As you step down from your role as Concertmaster to pursue your next chapter, know that you leave behind a stronger, united, and more inspired group of musicians.

Thank you for every rehearsal, every performance, every tuning pitch, and every moment of brilliant leadership. We wish you boundless success and fulfillment in all your future endeavors.

With immense gratitude and pride,
Baybay City String Orchestra

31/07/2026

Pilaknamumulaklak
(Penpen de Sarapen)
Arranged by Edna Marcil Martine
Performed by Kinetika String Orchestra
Concertmaster: Louie Gula
Conductor: Joselle Cayetano

Performance during the Kinetika at Kultura Cultural Night. Held last July 29, 2026, RDE Hall, Visayas State University.

31/07/2026

Daw Nasusunog
Leyte-Samar Folk Song
Arranged for Strings: Joselle Cayetano
Performed by Kinetika String Orchestra
Concertmaster: Louie P. Gula
Conductor: Joselle Cayetano

Performance during Kinetika at Kultura: 1st International Research Conference for Physical Education, Sports, Culture and Arts: Cultural Night, July 29, 2026, RDE Hall Visayas State University

31/07/2026

Rondeau
Henry Purcell
Kinetika String Orchestra
Concertmaster: Louie Gula
Conductor: Joselle Cayetano

Performance during Kinetika at Kultura: 1st International Research Conference for Physical Education, Sports, Culture and Arts: Cultural Night, July 29, 2026, RDE Hall Visayas State University

31/07/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Krystelle Mhay Simila, Geraldine Cabag Cabigas, Alyanna Compra Estebe Dumpe

23/07/2026

A Symphony of Success: Congratulations to our Founding Members! 🎓✨

​From that very first day of learning how to properly hold a bow, navigating those first uncertain notes, you have shown incredible dedication. Today, the Baybay City String Orchestra is beaming with pride to celebrate an achievement worthy of so much appreciation.

​You are not just talented musicians; you are the irreplaceable founding members who helped build the very heart of this group. Looking at the high achievements and Latin honors among this cohort, we truly see a beautiful symphony of hard work, passion, and excellence!

​Please join us in giving the loudest standing ovation to our newly minted graduates from Visayas State University, each earning their Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education:

​Magna Cum Laude
​🌟 Krystelle Mhay Therese Simila – Concertmaster

​Cum Laude
​✨ Ivy College P. Yangyang – Principal Violin 2
✨ Donalyn L. Taotao – Principal Violin 3
✨ Lovely Joy B. Alforque – Violin 1
✨ Ira A. Ramirez – Violin 1
✨ Kyla Arrabela B. Padilla – Violin 1
✨ Alyanna C. Dumpe – Violin 2
✨ Geraldine C. Cabigas – Violin 2
✨ Jade Hazel C. Paloma – Violin 2

​Our Dearest Graduates
🎓Sandra G. Elardo – Violin 1
🎓Noreen Mae B. Bagotsay – Violin 2
​🎓 Norin D. Simpron – Violin 2 and 3
🎓 Anthea D. Laroya – Violin 2 and 3
🎓 Gerlie B. Bonghanoy – Violin 2 and 3

​To our dear graduates, you are truly a beacon of inspiration to your pupils, your peers, and the entire community. As you step off this stage and onto the next, may your lives continue to be filled with beautiful melodies and endless success.
​Congratulations on your graduation! You made us incredibly proud! 🎉🎻🎓

14/07/2026

FUTURE MUSICIANS OF BAYBAY: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🎻

​Are you interested in learning a string instrument or performing with a group? The Baybay City String Orchestra is planning its next wave of training sessions, and we want to know who is ready to make some music!

​This is our Preliminary Survey & Needs Assessment. Whether you are a seasoned player or a complete beginner who has never held an instrument before, this is your first step to joining our musical family.

​WHO IS THIS FOR?
*​ Every Baybayanon (Residents of Baybay City, Leyte) from all walks of life.
*​ Ages 6 years old and above (Children, youth, and adults are all welcome!).
* ​Open to both experienced musicians and absolute beginners.

​WHY FILL OUT THIS PRELIMINARY SURVEY?
This is not a final audition or registration yet! We are gathering information to help us:
* ​See how many Baybayanons are interested.
* ​Group trainees effectively by age and experience level.
* ​Design convenient rehearsal and training schedules.

​👉 Help us plan by filling out the preliminary survey here:
https://forms.gle/BCRbbDXMdDAULSND9

​🔒 Your privacy is important to us. All responses are confidential and handled strictly in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 for orchestra planning purposes only.

​Don't miss the chance to help shape our next orchestra class! Fill out the form, share this post, and tag anyone who has always wanted to play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass! 🎶❤️

Warm greetings, Baybayanons! Thank you for your interest in joining our musical community. This is our initial survey for potential trainees and aspiring members of the Baybay City String Orchestra. Whether you are a seasoned musician or picking up an instrument for the very first time, we welcome y...